Philodendron Erubescens: Identification & Cultivar Guide
Philodendron erubescens is more than just another tropical climber — it’s the species behind some of the most famous houseplants, including the coveted Pink Princess. Native to Colombia, this fast-growing aroid has given rise to cultivars like Red Emerald and the controversial Pink Congo. Curious which one you’ve got? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
What is Philodendron Erubescens?
The Philodendron Erubescens is a lush, exotic plant that adds a tropical touch to indoor spaces. Its heart-shaped green leaves are blushed with a unique red hue, giving indoor spaces a tropical touch. I love philodendron exotic plants for their beauty, resilience, and easy-care requirements.
Also called the Blushing Philodendron Pink Princess Plant, the flowering plant is native to South America. It’s an evergreen climber in the tropical plant family Araceae. In rainforests, the large-leafed plant thrives in dappled sunlight, using its aerial roots to absorb nutrients. Therefore, it’s an epiphytic plant requiring shade for healthy growth.
Philodendron Erubescens Identification: Quick Guide
Philodendron erubescens, commonly known as red-leaf Philodendron, is easily identified by its heart-shaped green leaves with red-to-burgundy undersides. Its flowers are deep red spathes 6 inches tall (15 cm). The waxy leaves grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, and the plant grows 10 to 20 feet tall (3 to 6 m).
Blushing Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) Identification Tips
Philodendron erubescens—commonly known as the red-leaf or blushing Philodendron—is a striking tropical plant highly sought after for indoor plant collections.
Here are some key features to help you identify this captivating plant:
- Heart-shaped leaves: Its vibrant green leaves are heart-shaped, adding a touch of romance to your indoor greenery.
- Coloration: Young leaves often display a reddish hue underneath, where the name “erubescens” (meaning blushing) originates. As leaves mature, they can develop a deep green on top with a wine-red underside.
- Aerial roots: Aerial roots are common in these plants and serve as an anchor as they climb trees in their natural habitat.
- Stem: The stem is relatively thick and may exhibit a reddish tone, complementing its affectionate common name.
If you pay close attention to these features, you can quickly tell the Philodendron erubescens apart from other Philodendron plants. While this tropical beauty thrives in warm and humid environments, typical home settings are ideal. All you need to remember is to avoid direct sunlight and only water it occasionally. This way, I’ve grown several red-leaf philodendrons at home.
Red-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) Care Overview
Philodendron erubescens follows the same care principles as most climbing philodendrons — bright, indirect light, airy soil, and consistent moisture without waterlogging. If you’re growing the Pink Princess cultivar, check our full Pink Princess Philodendron Care Guide for detailed tips on variegation and growth. For a comprehensive overview of watering, soil mixes, and propagation, refer to our Philodendron Care Guide.
Ten Philodendron Erubescens Varieties
The Philodendron erubescens, also known as the Red-Leaf Philodendron, showcases a variety of captivating cultivars that have become favorites among indoor plant enthusiasts. Each variety brings its unique flair with variations in leaf color, shape, and overall plant vigor.
Let me share with you my favorite five striking Philodendron erubescens varieties that could add tropical charm to any indoor space.
P. erubescens ‘Pink Princess’
The Philodendron Pink Princess is a highly sought-after variety, cherished for its pink variegated leaves. The eye-catching splashes of bubblegum pink colors stand out against the dark green, heart-shaped foliage. These multicolored leaves create a stunning visual effect. It’s the perfect statement piece for a new houseplant collector looking for a colorful addition.
P. erubescens ‘Red Emerald’
Philodendron Red Emerald has glossy, heart-shaped green leaves that gracefully drape from the central stem. The ‘Red’ in its name comes from the reddish hues found in the stems and the undersides of its leaves, making it a vibrant addition to any philodendron collection.
P. erubescens ‘Burgundy’
The Philodendron Burgundy presents a lush foliage display with deep green, almost wine-colored leaves. I love this variety for its robust nature and the rich, burgundy tones. Its stems and new growth add a sense of warmth and luxury to my plant collection.
P. erubescens ‘Black Cardinal’
The ‘Black Cardinal’ emerges with striking bronze to nearly black leaves. Its new leaves unfurl in a bright copper tone before maturing. This cultivar is prized for its bold, dark foliage that stands out in a sea of green, offering a dramatic flair to your indoor garden.
P. erubescens variety ‘Royal Queen’
Among the royals of the Philodendron world, the ‘Royal Queen’ commands attention with its long, deep green leaves that feature elegant, reddish-pink veins. Its stately appearance and upright growth habit make the ‘Royal Queen’ a noble choice for adding vertical interest to plant displays.
P. erubescens cultivar ‘Green Emerald’
Green Emerald is a glossy-leaf cultivar of Philodendron erubescens, prized for its rich, solid green foliage. Unlike the Pink Princess, it doesn’t show variegation but stands out for its lush canopy and vigorous climbing growth. It’s often used as a hardy, low-maintenance alternative for indoor collectors.
P. erubescens ‘Prince of Orange’
Prince of Orange is a hybrid derived from Philodendron erubescens, famous for its striking orange new leaves that gradually fade to chartreuse. Compact and self-heading, it grows more like a bush than a vine, making it a perfect philodendron for tabletops or small spaces.
P. erubescens ‘White Princess’
White Princess is another variegated beauty linked to Philodendron erubescens, displaying crisp white streaks and splashes across green leaves. Its compact size and climbing potential make it highly collectible. Often confused with White Knight, it differs in stem coloration and the distribution of variegation.
P. erubescens ‘Imperial Red’
Imperial Red is a bold cultivar developed from Philodendron erubescens, celebrated for its broad, leathery leaves that emerge bright red before maturing into deep burgundy-green tones. Unlike Pink Princess, it grows upright without a trellis, forming dense rosettes that look dramatic in modern interiors.
P. erubescens ‘Tangerine’
Tangerine, a rarer cultivar, showcases vivid orange-red new leaves that fade into a lighter green. Like Prince of Orange, it’s a self-heading hybrid connected to Philodendron erubescens, valued for its compact size and vibrant color contrast. Collectors often prize it for seasonal displays of fiery foliage.
Comparison Table of Philodendron Erubescens Varieties
| Variety | Leaf Color | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Princess | Green with pink variegation | Bubblegum pink splashes |
| Red Emerald | Green with a red underside | Reddish hues in stems |
| Burgundy | Deep green to wine-colored | Rich, burgundy stem tones |
| Black Cardinal | Bronze to nearly black | Dark foliage, copper new growth |
| Royal Queen | Deep green with pink veins | Reddish-pink veins, upright growth |
| Green Emerald | Glossy solid green | Hardy climber, low-maintenance option |
| Prince of Orange | Orange new leaves fading to chartreuse | Compact, self-heading, tabletop-friendly |
| White Princess | Green with crisp white streaks | Distinct variegation, often confused with White Knight |
| Imperial Red | Bright red maturing to burgundy-green | Upright, rosette growth habit |
| Tangerine | Orange-red new growth fading to light green | Compact hybrid with fiery seasonal color |
Each Philodendron erubescens variety requires similar care with a preference for indirect light, warm temperatures, and humid environments to thrive. These striking cultivars are ideal for diversifying your indoor jungle with exotic and colorful foliage.
Are you a pet owner considering adding a Philodendron eurbescens to an indoor space? See our full guide: Are Philodendrons Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Tips for Growing Philodendron Erubescens in Indoor Gardens
- Growing in pots: Philodendron erubescens grows well in pots with sturdy support and airy soil. Keep containers slightly snug to encourage climbing growth.
- Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings. You can root the cutting in light, moist potting soil or water before transferring it to a larger pot.
- Yellow leaves: Usually a symptom of overwatering or excessive sun exposure. Refer to our comprehensive Pink Princess Care Guide for more information.
- Pests: Inspect the leaves and stems of your Philodendron plant for any visible pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects. If you notice any bugs, refer to my article on Using Neem Oil for Natural Pest Control.
My Journey with Philodendron Erubescens: Nurturing Beauty Amidst Challenges
My journey with philodendrons started when I wanted to buy a Pink Princess—one of the most sought-after plants at the time. Here’s my story.
The first hurdle was finding the perfect spot for my Philodendron Pink Princess to thrive. After some trial and error, I discovered it preferred a place at my south-facing window behind a sheer curtain. The bright, indirect light kept its pink variegation looking stunning for several months. However, just as I was feeling like a proud plant parent, disaster struck.
I noticed that its growth seemed to slow, and there were dreaded telltale signs of webbing and sticky residue under the leaves. Yes—spider mites. Determined not to let these pesky bugs destroy my expensive plant, I used rubbing alcohol and neem oil to eliminate them.
But my Pink Princess Philodendron had one more challenge in store for me—root rot. It turned out I’d been overzealous with watering my once thriving Philodendron erubescens. So, I took swift action. I repotted the plant with fresh soil and removed a few mushy roots. I always ensure that at least 2 inches of soil is dry before watering.
Despite initial challenges, I love my Pink Princess plant, which continues to thrive. It’s also taught me a valuable lesson in my journey—the plant’s resilience and the transformative power of nature.
Philodendron Erubescens: FAQs
What is Philodendron erubescens best known for?
This species is known for its climbing growth habit, red-tinged stems, and broad leaves. It’s the parent plant of popular cultivars like the Pink Princess and Red Emerald.
Is Philodendron erubescens the same as Blushing Philodendron?
Yes. “Blushing Philodendron” is a common name for Philodendron erubescens, often used to describe its reddish stems and undersides of leaves.
How do I identify Philodendron erubescens indoors?
Look for elongated heart-shaped leaves with a reddish underside, and climbing growth that benefits from a moss pole or trellis for support.
Is Philodendron erubescens toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Like other philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause drooling, vomiting, or irritation if pets chew the leaves.
Which cultivars come from Philodendron erubescens?
Well-known cultivars include the Pink Princess, Red Emerald, and Pink Congo. Each shares the same species origin but has distinct foliage traits.